Long-Term Effects of Intensive Rock Climbing to the Hand and Fingers

Abstract

Stress on the PIP and DIP joints in sport climbers is considered to be very high. Radiography shows adaptive stress reactions, e.g., cortical hypertrophy and broadened joint bases. Degenerative changes of the finger joints can be found in two-thirds of the cases. “Mini-osteophytes” and calcification of the joint capsule and collateral ligaments without major clinical relevance are frequent. Sometimes, however, dorsal or occasionally volar traction osteophytes of the interphalangeal joints can cause irritation of the joint capsule and can lead to discomfort and pain. Major joint space narrowing and irregular joint surfaces are exceptional cases. These degenerative changes in climbers show a different pathology than the well-known inflammatory-degenerative osteoarthritis of the PIP and DIP joint in Heberden’s or Bouchard’s osteoarthritis.